Over 150 wartime photographs give a graphic snapshot of the dramatic tank battles fought by the Waffen-SS panzer and panzergrenadier divisions during 1944-5 on both the Eastern and Western fronts. By this stage of the Second World War these formations were at the height of their powers and took part in major armoured operations in Russia; France; the Netherlands; and Poland. As the Wehrmacht retreated the Waffen-SS played an increasingly important role. Most notably their panzers prolonged the war by staving off defeat at Arnhem and Wolomin; stabilizing both the Western and Eastern fronts at critical points in the fighting. The photographs and the accompanying narrative record the contrasting conditions they faced on each battlefront and the weapons and equipment they used; especially the armored vehicles; including the Tiger and Panther tanks; which were among the best designs the Germans produced. But they also record the crimes committed by members of the Waffen-SS against civilians and captured enemy soldiers during the series of brutal; often desperate operations mounted to stave off German defeat. Anthony Tucker-Jones's photographic history is a fascinating introduction to these elite units during the final phase of the fighting in Europe.
#403062 in Books Osprey Publishing 2016-04-19 2016-04-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.55 x 5.59 x 7.27l; .70 #File Name: 147281261196 pages9781472812612
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A CRUCIAL CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF WWII JAPANESE AVIATIONBy P. A. PanozzoI agree with Mr. Tillman's review! I can't add much more other than to emphasize that the Aircraft of the Aces series by Osprey Publishing has been a very popular historical aviation format that has successfully elucidated the accomplishments of aviators and their aircraft. This volume is of greater importance than most because the Raiden and Shiden/ Shiden Kai aircraft and their pilots experiences have been scarcely treated by historians until the advent of this volume! As expected; the research; the first hand accounts; and the artwork are excellent! I highly recommend this title to any aviation enthusiast.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. The Track Record of Two Potent Late-War Japanese Fighters!By Mike O'ConnorYasuho Izawa and Tony Holmes' J2M RAIDEN AND N1K1/2 SHIDEN/SHIDEN-KAI ACES presents a fascinating and information profile of two of Japan's most potent; late-war fighters. Luckily for the Allies; the potential promised by both the Raiden and Shiden fighters was seldom realized but both planes were amongst the deadliest warbirds in the skies over Japan in 1945. A 2016 Osprey release; the book is #129 in their AIRCRAFT OF THE ACES series.Within the usual 96 pages; the authors do an excellent job of detailing the life and combat times of the Raiden and Shiden. They detail the development and operational history of both fighters; chronicling their combat exploits and the problems that dogged each aircraft; therein reducing their effectiveness. Both birds saw combat over various locales but saw their greatest moments in defense of the Japanese Homeland.The book is illustrated with vintage bw photographs and six pages of marvelous color side-profiles by Jim Laurie.Osprey's air books have always been good value for the dollar. I have been especially impressed by their AIRCRAFT OF THE ACES and DUEL books that focus on Japan's air war since they have provided authoritative; interesting and easy-on-the-pocketbook accounts of Japanese aircraft and aircrew previously unavailable in the West. J2M RAIDEN AND N1K1/2 SHIDEN/SHIDEN-KAI ACES continues that tradition. Highly recommended.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Detailed story of the design; manufacturing efforts; and combat deployment of these two airplanes.By Bayard B.Highly detailed story of the development and deployment of these two fighters. The book focuses primarily on the combat deployment; mostly in the Philippines and in Japan proper. It appears that just about every combat encounter between these airplane units and US Navy and USAAF units is described. Individual Japanese pilots; especially the Aces and almost Aces; are frequently discussed. The engagements with B - 29s bombing Japanese targets are described extensively. There is also very good; although not as highly detailed; discussion of the design and production efforts of the two planes. There are also some discussions of the defects that prevented the two planes from being truly effective. Unfortunately; this discussion is somewhat superficial. For example; the authors discuss the engine vibration problems but do not really discuss why the problems occurred and why little was achieved in solving the problems. I have read in other books that the severe reduction in imports of vanadium and manganese (for example) significantly affected the manufacturing quality of Japanese aero engines. The book does discuss the consequences of running high - powered engines on fuel diluted with pine oil. The book at least touches upon other manufacturing issues; such as the shortage of engineering design and manufacturing personnel and the consequences of trying to construct technologically advanced airframes and engines with a work force that was declining in experience and quality: the Japanese Navy and Army consistently took the short term approach of drafting skilled workers and the getting them killed; and substituting the skilled workers with unskilled teenagers.
